I hope you have all managed to have a relaxing summer and are ready to embrace the new academic year. It has been lovely to have all of the students back and they have all slipped seamlessly into the pre Covid routines. It has been great to hear a buzz around the school. They have clearly welcomed simple things such as being able to access the canteen at break, although I strongly urge Y7 parents and carers to check their balances – there were a lot of very excited Y7 pupils in the canteen at break tucking into paninis and multiple rounds of toast. “This is so much better than primary school” could certainly see the lunchtime food bill rise.
It was also great to welcome so many of our former Y11 into the sixth form and lovely to be able to welcome sixth form students from other schools as well.
It is an exciting time moving onto secondary school, but it can also be overwhelming. Please do get in touch with us if your child has any concerns that you are unable to solve at home. We are here to help.
We have everything crossed for a smoother year, but we know that cases of Covid are on the rise so please do continue with twice weekly testing at home. We have had a good uptake for our mass testing and this will continue to next Tuesday. The schedule can be accessed on our website. If your child is in Y12 or Y13 and has not been vaccinated, they will have the opportunity next Tuesday as we will have a team from the local pharmacy in school. Our updated Covid risk assessments can be accessed via our website. In the event of a local outbreak, I will communicate any changes to you. We are currently awaiting our carbon dioxide monitors as promised by the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson. We are hoping that they arrive next week.
To enable a smooth transition from one school year to another, a transition video detailing all key information for the academic year will be made available for parents and carers on the dates below from 6pm onwards.
Year 12 – Tuesday 7th September
Year 13 – Tuesday 7th September
Year 8 – Wednesday 8th September
Year 9 – Wednesday 8th September
Year 10 – Thursday 9th September
Year 11 – Thursday 9th September
Temporary traffic lights seem to be popping up all over Alsager at the moment and the set on Hassall Road have caused quite a bit of congestion. If you pick your child up, can I ask that you try to avoid parking so closely to the school, particularly around the Hassall Road entrance to the Alsager Hub as it does become challenging for pupils to cross. Many Year 7 are walking home on their own for the first time. Please speak to them about the need to be vigilant when crossing the roads. It is quite easy for students from all year groups to become ‘lost in their thoughts’ on the walk home, particularly when they have earbuds in. Again, please do talk to your child about road safety awareness.
Have a lovely weekend.
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” (Plato)
